FCA Warns of Bondsterling Savings Clone Impersonating Bondsmith

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned that Bondsterling Savings Ltd is an unauthorised clone firm posing as authorised savings provider Bondsmith Savings Ltd. The regulator says the clone has been contacting people while pretending to represent the genuine firm, which has no connection to it. The FCA lists the suspected clone’s website as www.bondsterling.uk and gives its email as [email protected]. It cautions that fraudsters may use other false contact details or combine genuine firm information with their own, and may change those details over time. The FCA identifies Bondsmith Savings Ltd as the authorised firm being impersonated. Its listed details include firm reference number 1021751, website www.bondsmith.com, and an address at Level 2, 4 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9HF. The regulator also lists firm reference number 955601 for Bondsmith Savings Ltd at the same address. Consumers should check a firm’s permissions and contact information through the FCA Firm Checker, then use the verified details when responding to unexpected approaches. People who deal with the clone will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for complaints against it or protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FCA says people who sent money to a fraudster on or after 7 October 2024 may be covered by protections introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator. Anyone who believes they have been approached by a clone or unauthorised firm can report it to the FCA by calling 0800 111 6768 or using its contact form.